Border Collie Dogs for Adoption

540 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 361–390 of 540 below.

About adopting a Border Collie

Widely considered the most intelligent of working dogs, the Border Collie is also one of the most demanding, and rescue Border Collies are often young dogs whose minds outran their owners' plans. They stare, they stalk, they herd whatever moves, and they need a job more than they need a couch.

Puppies and adolescents thrive on training, agility, disc, herding games, and puzzle work, and they can pick up new cues in a single session. Without that outlet, many develop obsessive habits like chasing shadows or nipping at running children. They tend to be sensitive to tone and do best with calm, positive handling.

A Border Collie in a quiet home with an active owner can be a superb companion. In a busy household with toddlers and no time for training, it is often a poor fit. Many are wary of strangers and sensitive to noise. Ask the shelter or rescue about the individual dog's background, its response to children and other animals, and how training has gone so far.

540 Border Collie dogs available — page 13 of 18

Photo of Mia, adoptable Border Collie in Thousand Palms, California

Mia

Border Collie FemaleSmall0 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA

Photo of Loki, adoptable Border Collie in Inverness, Florida

Loki

Border Collie MaleLarge1 year

Does Your Dog Need a Dog? Meet Loki. Some dogs enjoy other dogs. Loki seems to come alive around them. Put this young guy in playgroup and he is ready…

Adopt Citrus County Animal Shelter Pets • Inverness, FL

Photo of Harper, adoptable Border Collie in Lindsay, California

Harper

Border Collie FemaleMedium1 year

Harper is an active dog who really likes to play and have a good time. She is of the Collie family and should have plenty of daily stimulation. A home…

Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA

Photo of Margot, adoptable Border Collie in McKinleyville, California

Margot

Border Collie FemaleMedium2 years

MARGOTIs a sweet, friendly and generally calm girl. She'll lean into you for more attention as she really appreciates affection from her people. She s…

Humboldt County Sheriff's Animal Shelter • McKinleyville, CA

Photo of Ripley, adoptable Border Collie in Willingboro, New Jersey

Ripley

Border CollieMedium0 years

Hi! My name is Ripley and I am looking for a forever home. I ended up in a scary place called a shelter where things were looking pretty bleak, but th…

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

Photo of Slick, adoptable Border Collie in Highland, Illinois

Slick

Border Collie MaleMedium5 years

Slick is an adult Border Collie whose owner is faced with reducing the number of dogs she has, and so Slick is looking for a forever home. His owner d…

Come Bye Border Collie Rescue • Highland, IL

Photo of Cricket, adoptable Border Collie in Salt Lake City, Utah

Cricket

Border Collie MaleMediumBaby

Cricket | Male | ~4 months | Border Collie mixCricket and his three siblings were found abandoned on the side of the highway near Fillmore before maki…

Community Animal Welfare Society • Salt Lake City, UT

Photo of Bravery, adoptable Border Collie in Bolivar, Missouri

Bravery

Border Collie FemaleMediumBaby

The Survivor Litter — born brave, built for joy. Meet Bravery, Chance, Courage, Fighter, Grit, Hardy, Perseverance, Resolve, Soldier, Spirit, and Tena…

Polk County Humane Society • Bolivar, MO

Photo of Jolene, adoptable Border Collie in Salt Lake City, Utah

Jolene

Border Collie FemaleMedium2 years

My name is Jolene and my fosters say I am a very special girl. I think so too ha ha! I am a darling and happy border collie mix who is about two years…

Community Animal Welfare Society • Salt Lake City, UT

Photo of Zoey (GA), adoptable Border Collie in Fremont, California

Zoey (GA)

Border Collie FemaleMedium4 years

Zoey is an enthusiastically friendly four year old medium sized dog who is likely some kind of terrier mix. She's not shy at all with new people and i…

Furry Friends Rescue • Fremont, CA

Adopting a Border Collie — FAQ

Are Border Collies good family dogs?

Border Collies can be good family dogs in active households with older children and time for daily training. Their herding instinct may lead them to nip at running kids. Families expecting a low-maintenance pet usually struggle. An adult with a known family history is a safer choice.

How much exercise does a Border Collie need?

A Border Collie needs a lot of exercise and even more mental work. A long walk alone rarely satisfies a young one, so add fetch, agility, or training games. Many owners find that a well-trained Border Collie with a job settles better than one that simply runs.

Can a Border Collie live in an apartment?

A Border Collie can live in an apartment if the owner commits to substantial daily activity and training outside the home. Space matters less than engagement. Without it, boredom leads to barking and destruction. An adult with a calmer temperament, as described by the rescue, is more realistic.

How do I adopt a Border Collie?

Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.

Are Border Collie dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Border Collie dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.

How much does it cost to adopt a Border Collie?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Are Border Collie dogs good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.

Can I foster a Border Collie instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Border Collie gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.

What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Border Collie?

Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.